Tokyo 2020 Olympics: How It Is Unlike Any Other Version of the Games
Tokyo 2020 Olympics: A Big Box of Surprise
Tokyo 2020 Olympics is the 32nd version of the Summer Olympic Games that will take place from 23rd July to 8th August 2021. Elected as the host on September 7, 2013, Tokyo was forced to delay the event for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic. The original schedule for the event was 24th July to 9th August 2020. With the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the vibrant city will become the first city in Asia to host the event twice. Tokyo also hosted the 1964 Summer Olympic Games. Likewise, this was also the fourth Olympic Games to be held in Japan.
The Opening Ceremony is set to take place at Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium, which opened in December 2019 after renovation. Previously named The National Stadium, this venue has already hosted the 1964 Summer Olympic Games. Although we will not see a packed audience this time, this stadium can host 68 thousand spectators. Furthermore, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics mascot is an indigo-blue coloured character named Miraitowa whereas the Paralympics mascot is a pink-coloured character named Someity. Moreover, thousands of volunteers will work tirelessly to ensure the success of this grand event in difficult times.
Multiple Sports, Multiple Venues
Tokyo 2020 Olympics will bring multiple sports from multiple venues in front of your screen. Since foreign visitors are strictly banned, we will have to do the virtual way this time. More than 500 events across more than 30 sports, some of them with multiple disciplines, will be there to follow. 43 venues distributed across two main zones, the Heritage Zone (the one that featured in 196) and the Tokyo Bay Zone (for newly-built venues). For events with specific requirements such as surfing, the venues will be outside of both of these zones.
How It Will Be Different From Previous Versions
Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be an entirely new experience as it looks to succeed as a carnival amid crisis. Supporters, athletes, and organizers will have to sacrifice some of the traditions to make the event successful. The following factors will be the strongest points of differentiation from the previous version of the games.
Supporters Not Allowed At Full Capacity
The first striking contrast of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is the prohibition of supporters in the stadiums. We will miss the roar and silence of thousands of supporters who would power the performance of athletes during normal times. However, there is an agreement to allow a maximum of 10,000 local fans for all venues, while health experts warn that it could lead to a surge in cases. Likewise, the supporters must obey strict safety measures like wearing masks, and preventing unnecessary travel outside the venues. The governor of Tokyo told that there might be a review of this decision if the situation goes out of control.
Athletes Inside Covid Bubble
Living inside the covid bubble will be an entirely new and somewhat frustrating experience for the athletes and the participants of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. First, there must be two negative tests before boarding. One of the tests should occur at least 96 hours before boarding while the other should occur at least 72 hours before. Upon arrival in Japan, participants will have to take another test.
When all is clear, players must maintain strict safety measures inside the Olympic Village. There will be daily saliva tests and temperature checks upon each return. Likewise, wearing a mask, frequently washing hands, and social distancing is compulsory for everyone. Similarly, athletes will not be able to travel in public transport and leave their accommodation for purposes other than the games. Furthermore, organizers have asked to cheer through clapping over singing and shouting to prevent the spread of saliva. Moreover, they must avoid all forms of unnecessary contact like handshakes and high fives.
Four New Sports Enter the Olympics, Two Make a Comeback
Tokyo 2020 Olympics will see the debut of four new sports in the Summer Olympic Games. These include skateboarding, surfing, karate, and sport climbing. Skateboarding will take place in two forms, park and street, and feature both men’s and women’s competitions. Likewise, the surfing competition will take place at the Tsurigasaki beach from July 25 to July 28. Similarly, sport climbing will feature three disciplines: bouldering, lead climbing, and speed climbing. Furthermore, Karate will also feature two forms: Kata, where a single participant competes against a virtual opponent, and Kumite, the more familiar version with two opponents competing against each other.
In addition to these four new sports, two other familiar ones are making a comeback in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Baseball, which did not feature after the last appearance in Beijing 2008, will be a part of the Games, and only feature men’s competition. Softball, on the other hand, will feature only women’s competitions.
Age Just A Number
Another key difference between the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the previous versions of the Games is the abundance of athletes who prove that age is just a number. Sky Brow, aged 13, will represent team Great Britain in Skateboarding, the newly debuting sport. She will also be the youngest Summer Olympian of all time for team Great Britain. Her competitors are also just on the brink of teenage: Hiraki Kokona (12) of Japan, Rayssa Leal (13) of Brazil, and Lilly Stoephasius (14) of Germany. Likewise, in table tennis, 12-year-old Syrian Hend Azara will be the youngest in this version of the Games. She is also the youngest table tennis player at the Olympics ever. Similarly, in diving, Quan Hongchan, a 14-year-old Chinese Olympian will join 15-year-old teammate Chen Yuxi. Furthermore, Katie Grimes, a 15-year-old from team US will take part in swimming. Moreover, Erriyon Knighton, a 17-year-old from the US again will feature in Athletics.
On the other side of the spectrum, 66 years old Australian Mary Hanna will feature as an equestrian. This makes her the second-oldest female to compete at the Olympics.
Lifestyle Trends with Top World Business
In this blog, we have come across the facts and figures of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. First, we saw how hosting this Olympics has been a herculean feat after the postponement of its original schedule in 2020. Likewise, we have seen some of the factors that make it unique from other normal versions of the games. First, we discussed the strict safety measures that have rarely been put into practice before, both for supporters as well as athletes. Second, we gave a brief description of the new sports making a debut at this edition of the Games followed by two sports that made a comeback. Finally, we presented the story of inspiring athletes who proved that age is just a number if you are ready to change the world.
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